Desnoes and Geddes Ltd. of Jamaica have announced the appointment
of Labatt's USA, Inc., as the exclusive U.S. importer of both Red
Stripe and Dragon Stout beers, effective July 22. The brands had been
handled by R.J. Imports and International Brands.

Red Stripe is currently marketed in the United Kingdom, Australia,
Canada and the Caribbean, in addition to the U.S. In 1990, Red
Stripe's sales grew 11 percent in the U.S., while Dragon Stout was
up 57 percent. Both brands will now be marketed by Labatt's
USA's Specialty Import division, which specializes in building
smaller niche beers with high growth potential.

"The decision to appoint Labatt's USA was based on the
company's strong marketing and sales team," commented Jim Lim,
Desnoes and Geddes, Ltd.'s vice chairman. "We are confident
that Labatt's USA will continue to increase the U.S. sales of both
Red Stripe and Dragon Stout."